About

I am an experienced photographer whose work has been recognised with the award of a distinction (LRPS) from the Royal Photographic Society.

My architectural photography was included in two exhibitions in 2016: "Grey Gardens" at Dundee Contemporary Arts and "Home" at the Royal Scottish Academy. My work has been published in the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland's Journal, the Journal of the Royal Photographic Society and New Scientist. I also had an exhibition in Edinburgh City Art Centre from November 9th 2019 till March 8th 2020 - see The Making of Classical Edinburgh.

I also have experience in museum photography, capturing the essence of new exhibits and displays, and visitors' reactions.  

My knowledge of architecture - I have a degree in architectural history from the University of Edinburgh (where I had my first formal introduction to photographic techniques and the darkroom) - combines with that of the museum and heritage sector. My career includes being a town planner, Museum Director, the Director of Communications for a Museum Agency, and then Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland for 16 years.  I am a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and I was the Chair of the Scottish Civic Trust from 2016 to 2020. I was a founder and Secretary of The Aperture Trust and I’m a Trustee of Borders Forest Trust. My involvement with the latter has meant that, increasingly, capturing the natural environment has featured in my work - see here.

I can bring this breadth and depth of experience to help develop your brief and to add special value to the photography.

I use Nikon professional grade equipment - currently full-frame Nikon D850 and D800 DSLR bodies and a range of Nikkor lenses, plus a DJI Air 2S drone. In virtually all land-based shots the camera is tripod-mounted for stability, sharpness and accuracy of composition. All work is shot in RAW format and the files are edited on a colour-calibrated iMac using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. The finished files are delivered to you in the format/s and sizes to meet your needs. High quality giclee prints can also be provided. 

In my spare time I go hillwalking, and write a blog illustrated with my photographs. You can read the blogs, titled “Mucky Boots”, here

© Colin McLean Photography 2024